Belt buckles go back at least to the Iron Age - The belt buckle has evolved over a period of two thousand years, from the primitive bone buckles and looped belts use by tribes of Hunters/Gatherers - Our first ancestors from long, long ago, to the more functional belt buckles developed in ancient Rome. The Latin word for buckle is “buccula”. The oldest styles of belt buckles had a simple loop or "D" shaped frame but "double-loop" or "center post" buckles whose prongs attach to a fixed center section appeared in the 8th century. Very small buckles with removable center pins and chaps were introduced and used on shoes, beginning in the 17th century, but not often for waist-belts. A "chap" is the fixed cover or plate which attaches buckle to belt while the "mordant" or "bite" is the adjustable portion.

Late 6th or 7th century, Byzantine Belt Buckle.

EARLY AMERICAN BUCKLES

By the American Civil War era, military belt buckles made an appearance that had a major influence on the look of buckles to come. By the 1880’s early 1900’s, cowboys were sporting western style belt buckles. However, very few cowboy belt buckles existed before 1900 since most cowboys used suspenders or had buckles made from military friction buckles.

American Civil War US Old Belt Buckle

THE RISE IN POPULARITY OF THE BELT BUCKLE

With their strong association with military equipment, belt buckles were primarily a masculine ornament well into the 19th century. Later Belt buckles became more popular as fashion accessories in the 20th century, as the tops of trousers moved more toward the waist. From the first half of the 20th century there were no more than a dozen major buckle manufacturers. Today there’s thousands if not millions of custom buckle makers but the older ones are the most prized for collections. Western style belt buckles were largely popularized by cowboy movies in the United States and are often awarded to winners in rodeo events as prize medals or trophies. These belt Buckles became very popular after Hollywood began using them in movies for their "fresh cool look." This custom was later adopted by the general population in the late 50’s, 60’s and 70’s. Now they dominate the belt buckle production, as more fashionable and attractive but less functional.

Western Rodeo Cowboy Belt Buckle.

PATRIOTISM FLAG BELT BUCKLES

Belt Buckles featuring flags are extremely popular, providing an opportunity to display a sense of patriotism for your country. The flags are often accompanied by text such as conveying the wearer’s allegiance to his faith, and geographical location. In the USA the Eagle, America's national bird, appears on belt buckles and is one of manufacturers biggest sellers. The flag it signifies patriotism for America and American society, namely independence, freedom, pride and strength, as with the flag or eagle buckles. They are quite casual and therefore generally worn with intended of pride and elegance.

American Flag Belt Buckle Canada Flag Belt Buckle UK Flag Belt Buckle

POPULAR BELT BUCKLES

Most of today’s popular belt buckles are made of brass, pewter, nickel or silver. Some featuring western styles with a longhorns, cow steers, cowboys, cowgirls, horses, eagles, wildlife or animals. More modern belt buckles feature a skull, skeleton, music instrument, motorcycle, vehicle, name letter, work profession, star, special person, place or funny popular saying. Color is sometimes added using enamel outlined by metal paint in pewter.